Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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Joined: Jun 2012
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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I'm trying to start my 53 pickup 235 engine. Got it a year ago and ready to try and fire it. I have an existing 6 volt system. Can I use a 12 volt just to fire it up? I've heard it should be ok as long as I don't use lights or anything. Any previous experiences in this area anyone? Thanks,
Chris

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Go buy yourself a 6 volt battery and quit "horsing around" laugh

'53...? I used to have a '53...Got a lot of work done with that truck...Don't remember it ever breaking down...Bought it for $300 bucks back in about 1977...

Aren't you confident that all your work is A.O.K. and you'll need the 6 volt to drive it around, anyway...?

Last edited by kevin47; 03/01/13 12:14 AM.

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When I do that, I run everything on the six volt battery and I isolate that starter and run it on 12 volts for easier starting of the engine.

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I don't think he owns a 6 volt battery...(?)


1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475

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Shade Tree Mechanic
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I don't own a 6 volt but I can get one. Would like to convert over to 12 volt someday down the road...


Chris

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I converted my '53 to 12 volt...A couple of years later I switched it back...I wouldn't bother...6 volt is fine...If there's an issue with "cranking"...Don't blame 6 Volts...Look at your cables/starter etc...


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If you run it very long on 12 volts it will be hard on the 6 volt coil. I have jump started a 6 volt car with 12 volts many times but as soon as the engine starts I unhook the 12 volt booster. You should get a 6 volt battery.


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12 volt will also burn up the breaker points if run for a long time.

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I vote for six volts


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iagree

Chris,

J.D. has given you a good, sound solution.

And, as others have advised, I would encourage you to get a 6-volt battery. After you have fine tuned the engine to where it starts right up, the 6-volt will work just fine.

Good luck with the engine.
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Got a 6 volt battery this weekend! Thanks for the motivation.
Chris

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Hello heavychevy53, I'm from Brazil and since 1992 I own a 51 Styleline with a 6 v system and I never had any problems with it!Here in Brazil they still sell 6V batteries for tractors ( they have 100 Ah, the original battery had 96 Ah) .My car starts at the first touch on the start button even if he was standing for 2 weeks (but in this case I throw a bit gasoline in the carb) , even in winter when we have +5ºC here .In all those years 2 sealed beam (only the low beam, the most used) and one brake light burned out ,The secret is to have the spark plugs, breaker points, condenser , etc ever tuned and in good condition.
I drive my car weekly and in all these years changed the breaker points and spark plugs only 2 times.Good luck.

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Originally Posted by kevin47
I converted my '53 to 12 volt...A couple of years later I switched it back...I wouldn't bother...6 volt is fine...If there's an issue with "cranking"...Don't blame 6 Volts...Look at your cables/starter etc...

Thanks for the advice. Have had my '49 for 15 years and my buddies almost had me convinced to switch to a 12-volt system. From what I've gathered from this thread, I think I'll stick with the 6-volt. Thanks again.


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Very smart decision.


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There is absolutely no reason to change to a 12volt system.If properly cared for,the six volt system works great!


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one more vote for 6 volt, I may want to try electronic fuel injection, I don't know where that puts me, whether or not I can transform it up adequately to work or not. But I have even found 6 volt LED lighting. If you are having trouble it isn't the 6 volts that is the problem. I have had no trouble even at well below freezing. And I have owned the truck since 1984.


53 chevy 3100, wayne 12 port 216 waiting in the wings.....

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